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Comments Off on Research associate position (JWST instrument scientist) in experimental astrophysics

Review of applications will begin April 1, 2015.

This position is a joint appointment between the Observatoire du Mont-Mégantic (OMM) and the Institute for Research on Exoplanets (iREx – http://www.exoplanetes.umontreal.ca/). OMM is actively involved in the development of astronomical instrumentation for ground- and space-based facilities. iREx, recently created at Université de Montréal (UdeM), brings together professors, researchers and students specialized in the detection and characterization of exoplanets and related science themes.

We invite applications for a research associate position to contribute to the development of the Fine Guidance Sensor/Near-Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph – http://www.exoplanetes.umontreal.ca/?p=1513&lang=en -, the Canadian-built instrument onboard the James Webb Space telescope (JWST), funded by the Canadian Space Agency.

The successful candidate, located within the physics department at UdeM, is expected to play a leading role, 80% of its time, for the development of the NIRISS instrument, more specifically for data pipeline development, data analysis and simulations tools. We are also seeking a candidate with a strong experience in exoplanet research. The successful candidate will have 20% of its time to conduct research programs related to exoplanets.

Candidates should have a PhD in physics or astronomy with strong background in the development of complex data pipeline for ground- and/or space-based instruments along with experience in exoplanet research. The term of employment is initially for two years. It is renewable annually, subject to performance and the availability of funding.

The successful candidate could start as early as May 1st 2015. Salary will be commensurate with experience and be competitive with leading international research centers. Review of applications will begin April 1, 2015.

Please send a CV, list of publications, and statement of significant research contributions electronically (in pdf format) to: Prof. René Doyon – irex@astro.umontreal.ca – and ask three references to email letters of recommendation directly to the same address.

The fourth annual Dunlap Institute Summer School is a unique opportunity for students interested in astronomical instrumentation and the discoveries instrumentation makes possible.

The school includes both lecture and laboratory activities and is intended for students who have finished at least the 3rd year of an undergraduate program or are in the early years of a graduate program, and have a background in astronomy, physics, or engineering.

Students will:

• Learn basic principles of optical, infrared and radio instrumentation
• Learn how detectors and spectrographs work
• Take part in a hands-on Fourier Transform Spectrometer lab
• Work with students from around the world
• Learn what a career in instrumentation would be like
• Learn from international leaders in the field of astronomical instrumentation
• Attend professional development sessions, including one on encouraging diversity in astronomy

Instructors will include Dunlap postdocs and faculty, and leading instrumentation and observational astronomers from Canada and the U.S. Visit our website for a list of confirmed instructors as it is updated.